The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape checks in as 90% Grenache and the rest 3% each of Mourvèdre, Syrah and Bourboulenc, with a splash of Cinsault, brought up all in tank. It has a deep, layered, powerful yet elegant style as well as notes of black raspberries, crushed violets, blueberries, ground pepper, and earth. With a rounded, sexy texture, no hard edges, fine tannins, and a beautiful finish, it's a fabulous wine in the vintage.

A bit herbal on the nose, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape delivers flavors of strawberries, cherries and garrigue. A blend of 85% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre, 4% each Bourboulenc and Syrah and 2% Cinsault, it's full-bodied, creamy and lush-a solid effort in an elegant, red fruited style unmarked by new oak.